Confusion Surrounds ‘WEST.’ for Becoming ‘Idols You Can Meet’… Why Fans Are So Reluctant to Take ‘Two-Shot Photos’

‘WEST.’ member Junta Nakama to hold fan meeting in Taiwan

Junta Nakama (38) of “WEST.” has announced that he will hold a fan meeting titled “Yellow・fan・fun Meeting – Junta & Love TAIWAN – in Taipei” in Taiwan on July 12.It has been revealed that some ticket holders will be able to take a “two-shot photo” with Nakama, sparking surprise among fans.

Nakama, who has a Taiwanese father and a Japanese mother, reportedly lived in Taiwan for six years during his childhood. While this solo fan meeting takes place in a place with personal significance for him, the details of the tickets have sparked controversy.

“Looking at the ticket sales site, there is an additional purchase option called a ‘VIP PASS’ that states ‘only those with a valid ticket for this event may apply.’ The listed benefits include a ‘VIP Priority Pass,’ a ‘postcard featuring his portrait,’ a ‘two-shot photo session (one Cheki),’ and a ‘priority lane for merchandise purchases.’

The VIP PASS costs NT$2,000, which is about 10,000 yen; apparently, paying that amount allows you to take a two-shot Cheki with Nakama. The application period runs from 1:00 PM on May 27 to 1:00 PM on May 28,” said an entertainment writer.

Since the days of the former Johnny’s (now STARTO ENTERTAINMENT), the agency has generally avoided holding “contact-based events” such as “two-shot photos” between fans and talent.

Consequently, upon hearing about the VIP PASS perks for Nakama’s fan meeting, social media was flooded with confused reactions such as “I’d rather have a regular fan meeting without any physical contact” and “I don’t want just a Cheki.” It’s likely that fans felt aversion precisely because the agency’s idols have such a strong image of being “unattainable.”

Amidst this, Nakama updated his members-only blog on May 5, commenting, “This fan meeting will include photo sessions.” He added, “I understand that everyone has their own feelings about this,” showing empathy toward the fans.

The café opened by Terufumi Kiriyama has also been drawing a lot of attention…

“Since it was an event held overseas, he seemed to sense the differences in culture and style, candidly sharing, ‘There were parts that left me feeling a bit bewildered myself.’ Incidentally, Keiichiro Koyama (42) of ‘NEWS’ held a fan meeting in Shanghai last July , and at that time, he also sold “VIP seats” that allowed for one-on-one photo sessions, which became a hot topic. Nakama likely intends to approach his overseas fan meetings with the mindset of ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’” (same source as above).

Meanwhile, regarding the recent activities of the WEST. members, attention is also focusing on Terufumi Kiriyama’s (36) “work” outside of his idol activities. In April of this year, Kiriyama opened the dog café “F BULL’S Cafe” in Nakameguro, Tokyo.

It is the first physical store for his lifestyle brand “F BULL’S,” combining apparel and accessory sales with a café.

Since opening, Kiriyama himself has been working at the shop, and there are times when he handles customer service.

“On social media, several fans who happened to be there have posted comments such as, ‘Terushi-kun was cooking and cleaning up—he was working just like any other staff member,’ and ‘I was surprised to see Terushi-kun when I went for lunch. He served food, cleared dishes, and worked efficiently behind the counter.’

“WEST. held a concert at Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa Prefecture from May 5th to 6th. Although fans who visited in the morning assumed he wouldn’t be there due to the performance, they reported unexpectedly running into him at the shop,” (same source as above).

Given the current situations of Nakama and Kiriyama mentioned earlier, some fans have commented:

“WEST. doesn’t seem to be aiming for the top lately. Opening a café, holding photo sessions—it feels like they’re drifting away from being idols, so I can’t get excited about them.”
“You can run into them at the cafe, take Cheki photos at fan meetings… Don’t they have any pride in having been with this agency for so long?”
“It’s unthinkable for idols in their 12th year since debut to be taking two-shot photos with fans. Are they aspiring to be underground male idols?”

Such harsh comments are being voiced.

It would be great if each of these activities could be a positive for the group, though…